How much does an online store cost?
Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2025 6:03 am
Whether it's a simple storefront for a handful of products or a powerful e-commerce platform, the cost of creating an online store depends on many factors. How do the costs of an online store break down in detail and what should be taken into account?
Creating an online store: these factors influence the cost
In order to successfully sell products online , the most important factor is having the right software , as it largely determines the costs of the online shop. In order to find the right solution, the following factors and individual pharmaceutical email lists requirements are essential:
The design of the online store
Is the typical online store structure , with its header, menu, filters and product detail windows, enough for you ? Or do you prefer something more custom? If you opt for the latter, that doesn't mean you have to commission a design from scratch from an agency or designer – you can simply choose an online store software that lets you put your vision into practice.
The range of functions of the store
Even the most basic and inexpensive platforms for opening an online store include standard features such as navigation menus, some filters and a shopping cart function. However, if you have a custom idea for your store, you will have to resort to a more powerful (and probably more expensive) platform or to a professional who will create the platform with custom features for you . Among the features you can integrate, the most complex and expensive is a configuration tool for your customers to customize the products to their individual needs.
The contents of the store
Do you have a range of 10 or 1000 items? Will you take photos to sell handmade products or will the manufacturer send you the necessary images?
When opening an online store for the first time, the costs of creating content are often underestimated . A good impression is not achieved by just having several photos of each item: you also need to include descriptions in running text and data in bullet point form (key data or attributes). To create this content, you can turn to freelancers or specialized agencies . Agencies have a team of different experts who are responsible for harmonizing the images and text, so the process is faster and there are probably fewer errors. This option can be especially profitable if you have a lot of items to offer, although prices and quality of service can vary greatly.
On the other hand, the cheapest option is to sell products that you have not created yourself, but have purchased from a manufacturer who provides the corresponding material .
The number of products and the type of content do not directly influence the choice of software for your store. However, they do influence the following two factors, which in turn determine the choice of software and, with it, the price of your online store.
Product data management
Many platforms allow you to edit and manage photos, text, and data directly from the backend . However, the more items you have, the more convenient it is to import them via a CSV file or link to a database , such as an inventory management system or ERP system.
Interface languages
Do you want to sell your products only in the United States or also abroad? If you want to reach customers in other countries, you will need to offer content in their respective languages. Also, even if you want to expand your reach to other Spanish-speaking countries, you will need to make sure your software includes the necessary configuration options .
Payment and shipping options
Some software platforms include tools to link online payment methods and offer different shipping methods by default . These tools often include the creation and sending of invoices directly from the backend. Alternatively, you can also integrate external payment and shipping systems .
Advice
Lay the foundation for your web presence: check availability and register your desired domain cheaply and with just a few clicks.
Domain Check
Find your desired domain
.net
.com
.info
.nyc
.blog
Domain and hosting
Finally, you should also consider the costs of the domain and hosting for your shop. Domains are usually assigned through so-called domain registrars , such as IONOS. To keep your domain name, you pay a monthly fee, regardless of the size of your online shop. Most domain names cost only a few dollars per month, although the most popular domain names could incur significantly higher costs.
When it comes to hosting your shop, you have two options: hosting the website yourself or hiring a hosting provider. If you host your shop yourself, you are responsible for everything related to server operation . This includes purchasing the necessary hardware, operating costs, setting up and maintaining the hardware and software, cybersecurity, and ensuring the website is up and running. If you opt for a hosting provider like IONOS, most of these tasks are taken care of by the provider, so you only have to concentrate on the business side .
Creating an online store: these factors influence the cost
In order to successfully sell products online , the most important factor is having the right software , as it largely determines the costs of the online shop. In order to find the right solution, the following factors and individual pharmaceutical email lists requirements are essential:
The design of the online store
Is the typical online store structure , with its header, menu, filters and product detail windows, enough for you ? Or do you prefer something more custom? If you opt for the latter, that doesn't mean you have to commission a design from scratch from an agency or designer – you can simply choose an online store software that lets you put your vision into practice.
The range of functions of the store
Even the most basic and inexpensive platforms for opening an online store include standard features such as navigation menus, some filters and a shopping cart function. However, if you have a custom idea for your store, you will have to resort to a more powerful (and probably more expensive) platform or to a professional who will create the platform with custom features for you . Among the features you can integrate, the most complex and expensive is a configuration tool for your customers to customize the products to their individual needs.
The contents of the store
Do you have a range of 10 or 1000 items? Will you take photos to sell handmade products or will the manufacturer send you the necessary images?
When opening an online store for the first time, the costs of creating content are often underestimated . A good impression is not achieved by just having several photos of each item: you also need to include descriptions in running text and data in bullet point form (key data or attributes). To create this content, you can turn to freelancers or specialized agencies . Agencies have a team of different experts who are responsible for harmonizing the images and text, so the process is faster and there are probably fewer errors. This option can be especially profitable if you have a lot of items to offer, although prices and quality of service can vary greatly.
On the other hand, the cheapest option is to sell products that you have not created yourself, but have purchased from a manufacturer who provides the corresponding material .
The number of products and the type of content do not directly influence the choice of software for your store. However, they do influence the following two factors, which in turn determine the choice of software and, with it, the price of your online store.
Product data management
Many platforms allow you to edit and manage photos, text, and data directly from the backend . However, the more items you have, the more convenient it is to import them via a CSV file or link to a database , such as an inventory management system or ERP system.
Interface languages
Do you want to sell your products only in the United States or also abroad? If you want to reach customers in other countries, you will need to offer content in their respective languages. Also, even if you want to expand your reach to other Spanish-speaking countries, you will need to make sure your software includes the necessary configuration options .
Payment and shipping options
Some software platforms include tools to link online payment methods and offer different shipping methods by default . These tools often include the creation and sending of invoices directly from the backend. Alternatively, you can also integrate external payment and shipping systems .
Advice
Lay the foundation for your web presence: check availability and register your desired domain cheaply and with just a few clicks.
Domain Check
Find your desired domain
.net
.com
.info
.nyc
.blog
Domain and hosting
Finally, you should also consider the costs of the domain and hosting for your shop. Domains are usually assigned through so-called domain registrars , such as IONOS. To keep your domain name, you pay a monthly fee, regardless of the size of your online shop. Most domain names cost only a few dollars per month, although the most popular domain names could incur significantly higher costs.
When it comes to hosting your shop, you have two options: hosting the website yourself or hiring a hosting provider. If you host your shop yourself, you are responsible for everything related to server operation . This includes purchasing the necessary hardware, operating costs, setting up and maintaining the hardware and software, cybersecurity, and ensuring the website is up and running. If you opt for a hosting provider like IONOS, most of these tasks are taken care of by the provider, so you only have to concentrate on the business side .